So I woke up this morning and it hit me, yes, I actually am 32, and it's only 2,922 days until my 40th...

Despite this, I got up and dressed and after a few jobs, met up with Smith for yet another walk. Again, the lure of the River Tees proved to be too much and we found ourselves walking by the river and into Portrack.

My legs were working overtime trying to keep up with Smith and we made it into Portrack in good time, racking up a walk of 3.61 miles in the process. It is amazing how you notice things when you're out and about, and see things you never knew existed in Thornaby. It's like another world over the Teesdale area, and if you haven't been it's well worth a look. I mean we have the world famous University of Thornaby (which strangely enough is called Durham, Stockton campus or something like that - check with the Geography department), and there seems to be a million benches, yet nobody sat on them, I'm sure they were a good idea at the time. We speculate who would want to populate the houses which seem to be in the middle of nowhere, and how many bodies are dragged out of the Tees. Considering it's a long period of time, conversation never seems to dry up.

It could be mistaken for Whitby!

We reached our destination, the holy grail of walking - Go Outdoors! It's like a handymans B & Q. You could spend hours in that shop...and we did!

Although it started with a sit down in the cafe with a bit of refreshment - cue shaken coke can spraying all over table, floor, clothes etc. We continued with deep and meaningful conversation which took us miles away from where we actually were, and after about an hour or so actually got up to have a look around the shop.

So we eagerley set off just like kids in a sweet shop. What I did realise is that there are a few things I ABSOLUTELY NEED before I set off on my C2C walk:

A Jesus stick. Not sure if this is the actual name of it, but it is an absolute must. Modelled by Smith here, it is a good height, and could double up as a burglar basher when dormant at home. The only problem is, it costs about £12. So, on of my walks, I will find a suitable stick, and make it my own, and one day, my nephew Joe will inherit it, he's mad on sticks (OK, he's only 2....).

A hat. Not only will the hat be a practical item in the fight against the elements, it will also be a Gok Wan-esque fashion must. Potential candidates to be on my crown include a deerstalker, a trapper, a 'dappy' hat and a straw boater. We will see.

Tents are class. Having never actually had a real camping adventure I realised that this is (potentially) the way forward.

Anyway, we managed to hang about there until we met Nat who was finishing work, and we copped out and got a lift home!

Just a couple of other things - it was great to see Neil Jollie and his comedy gang last night at Darlo, where Andrew Ryan offered to compere an up coming charity night I am going to arrange, that will definitely be one not to miss! And as part of my birthday present off mam and dad, I went to see Big Girls Don't Cry, a tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, and what a cracking night that was too. So all in all, a great birthday. Maybe being 32 is not quite as bad as it's cracked up to be! Here's to the next 2,922 days.....

Oh and the Just Giving fund, which is really what all of this is about, stands at £320 + Gift Aid, so thanks again to all contributors.

Next up, the 13 mile walk to Hartlepool tomorrow for the match. Come on you Pools!